The post 3 Factors to Consider Before Starting a Blog – Maintaining Blogging Momentum appeared first on ProBlogger.

Originally posted by Darren Rowse, Updated for 2024 Starting a blog is an adventure—a journey I’ve embarked on more times than I can count. And along the way, I’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to keep that momentum going. Today, I want to share some updated ...more

The post 3 Factors to Consider Before Starting a Blog – Maintaining Blogging Momentum appeared first on ProBlogger.

So what about this star in the east? How important is it that we insist it be a real astronomical star?

So what about this star in the east? How important is it that we insist it be a real astronomical star?

On this 5th Sunday of Matthew, St. Paul tells the Roman Church that if anyone is going to be saved we have to confess with our lips that Jesus is Lord AND believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead!

Michael examines the Star Wars phenomenon from an Orthodox Christian and sacramental point of view, and with a special focus on comparisons between the Force and the Holy Spirit.

Join Michael as he uses the symbolism of the North Star to take a deep dive into the true nature of repentance and why we often misunderstand it to our detriment.

Fr. Seraphim Aldea explains the hiatus from recording the podcast for 18 months.

All three are mentioned by name by the Apostle Paul.   Aristarchus is mentioned in Acts 19:29, Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 24. He was bishop of Apamea in Syria; St Paul calls him 'my fellow-prisoner' and 'my fellow-laborer'.   Pudens is mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:21. He was a prominent Roman citizen who gave refuge to Christians; his house was first a place of refuge for the Apostles, then one of the first churches in Rome.   Trophimus is mentioned with Pudens in 2 Timothy 4:21, and in Acts 21:29, where we learn that he was from Ephesus. He accompanied the Apostle Paul on some of his missions.   All three, like St Paul, were beheaded during Nero's persecutions.

All three are mentioned by name by the Apostle Paul.   Aristarchus is mentioned in Acts 19:29, Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 24. He was bishop of Apamea in Syria; St Paul calls him 'my fellow-prisoner' and 'my fellow-laborer'.   Pudens is mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:21. He was a prominent Roman citizen who gave refuge to Christians; his house was first a place of refuge for the Apostles, then one of the first churches in Rome.   Trophimus is mentioned with Pudens in 2 Timothy 4:21, and in Acts 21:29, where we learn that he was from Ephesus. He accompanied the Apostle Paul on some of his missions.   All three, like St Paul, were beheaded during Nero's persecutions.

Rita shares her reflections on a short conversation by two desert fathers on laying new foundations in our lives.

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick asks: Is it any wonder that, since the shaping of the world into order from formlessness and void in Genesis was begun with a light shining in the darkness, that the coming of Christ into this broken world of chaos and horror would also be begun with a star shining in the darkness?

Dan Bein begins a new series titled "All Stars," which features all of the great things that are happening with OCF nationally. Here he interviews Fr. Anthony Salzman, host of the podcast "Equipping the Saints" and the Southeast Regional Coordinator of OCF.

Dan interviews Andriana Malhi, the president of the OCF chapter at UC Davis, about how Christ's love saved her life.

Dan interviews Theo Smith, a student at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, who belongs to what's called an "area chapter" of OCF.

Fr. William George joins Dan as they talk about some of the unique challenges Father William encounters, as a spiritual advisor for the OCF chapter of County College of Morris--giving room for others to work, leading discussions, and maintaining the peace.

"But whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant"- Matthew 20:26 The All-Stars series continues with guest Athena Vlamis, a senior at Kennesaw State University and Georgia District Student Leader for OCF. In this podcast, Tasya and Athena talk about Athena's leadership role in a new Pan-Orthodox initiative, the Connect Conference. The college seniors also discuss servant leadership, using our talents for the glory of God, the role of young adults in the church, the foundation OCF has laid in their lives, the importance of living as an Orthodox in day-to-day life, and more.

This year, the All-Stars series is highlighting students from all over North America—students from each of OCF's nine regions. For the Northwest regional feature, Tasya speaks with the co-presidents of Boise State University's OCF chapter: Mercedes Huse and Kayla Munkres. Mercedes and Kayla explain how they share the work of the Chapter President, give advice to OCF students in leadership positions in their chapter, and share some of their favourite chapter meeting activities.

February's All-Stars feature is Quinn Marquardt, the OCF Mountain Student Leader. Tasya and Quinn discuss how taking a leap of faith and getting involved with OCF--both at the chapter level and by joining the Student Leadership Board--has transformed their college experience.

Tasya interviews Rachel Sierra and Naim Mekdessi—two students who have been active throughout their college years in OCF's South Region. The three college seniors discuss dealing with chapter elections, what it means to be District Leaders and chapter presidents, how they handle discouragement in OCF work, and more.

Fr. John exhorts his listeners (despite being a published author himself) to read the saints first.

Fr. John Oliver considers whether blessings can be found in the midst of the unexpected suffering of mental illness.

A long time ago, in a parish far, far away . . . It is a period of church war. Ortho-Nerds, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the Nominal Ecclesiarch. During the struggle, Ortho-Nerd spies managed to steal secret plans to the Ecclesiarch's ultimate weapon, the Death Pew . . . (Also in this episode, Fr Joseph says: geek, dork, loser, dweeb, tetragrammaton, gamer, and emo.)

Join Steve and Christian as they talk about the highly anticipated Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. The guys talk about the Force, both the light side and the dark, the recurrent themes of family and personhood with just a dash of theology. So, join the guys as they celebrate the movie and end with their five favorite Star Wars quotations of all time.

Steve and Christian geek out over Rogue One on their annual Star Wars podcast. They talk about the Force, sacrifice, and the difference between hope and optimism. They end with the top 5 Vader moments.

It’s finally time for the annual Star Wars PCCH, and the guys are stoked. They discuss relating with the past, the balance between light and darkness, and how great it was to see Luke Skywalker return to the silver screen. Spoilers abound, including this one: No Top 5. Just pure, unadulterated Star Wars.

It's finally here. The end of the Skywalker Saga! Join the guys as they discuss the final film of a story 42 years in the making! Spoiler Porgs included.

We read Jesus’ words to the church at Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-28), probing the description of the fiery-eyed Jesus, the temptations of their celebrated prophetess “Jezebel,” and Jesus’ promise to reward their “works” by His luminous coming as the Morning Star. We are helped by remembering the nemesis of Elijah in 2 Kings (4 Kingdoms) 9:30-37, the visions of Daniel 7 and 10, and the commentary of select Church fathers.

We read the difficult chapter of Revelation 9, looking to Job, Ezekiel 9:3-8, the words of Jesus (Luke 21:18), and the wisdom of some early commentators in order to help us consider the problem of evil, placed alongside our omnipotent and loving God.

12. North Star: St. Herman of Alaska by Dorrie Papademetriou (St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2001) and Basil's Search for Miracles part 10 (chapter 21) by Heather Zydek (Conciliar Press, 2007).

Fr. Ted discusses the important of confession and the Eucharist. Without them, he argues, we are both dirty and starving.

Ex-member of the hard-core Christian rock band East West (2002 Dove Award Winner!) speaks about the Christian Contemporary Music Industry, the reality of touring life on the road, the spiritual and physical exhaustion that eventually led him to examine his faith and eventually discovery of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

What can be learned from the Orthodox Mission to Alaska? How should the spirit of the early Church in the Roman empire inspire the life of a new parish? Saint Vladimir’s Seminary President Fr. Chad Hatfield offered insights and practical advice on mission planting at Holy Theophany Russian Orthodox Church in Bergen, Norway on December 6, 2019. The talk was organized in part by St. Vladimir's Alumnus Fr. Theodor Svane (’15) and the parish Fr. Theodore serves, Annunciation of the Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Mission Parish, also in Bergen.

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre como debemos compartir con el mundo nuestra alegría de la satisfaccion que tenemos en Cristo. Porque Dios nos da muchos dones, incluyendo a animar a las personas. (Romanos 12:6-14) Fr. Nicholas preaches about how we should share our happiness with the world of the satisfaction we have in Christ. Because God gives us many blessings, including the ability to encourage others. (Romans 12:6-14)

Padre Nicholas predice que no debemos temarnos. Porque con dios, vamos a ser victorioso. Tito 3:8-15 Fr. Nicholas preaches that we should not be afraid. For with God, we will be victorious. Titus 3:8-15

El Padre Nicolás predicó sobre estar atento a la Palabra de Dios que nos proporciona vida en Cristo. Father Nicholas preached on being attentive to the Word of God that gives us life in Christ.

Fr. Roberto shares that there is little that we can do to solve the world's problems, yet that little is perhaps the most important thing in the world.

Fr. Apostolos addresses the inner meaning of the Feast of the Incarnation, through the perspective of the latest Star Wars film.

Bobby Maddex interviews Nathan Jekel, the President of the Penn State Harrisburg chapter of OCF, about how to create a successful and invested chapter of Orthodox Christian Fellowship.

Fr. Pat gave this sermon in Waynesburg, PA, at the funeral of beloved friend Nancy (Katherine) Thompson who fell asleep in the Lord on August 2, 2011.

Fr. Pat reminds us that in Christ we start all over.

In this homily given on St. Thomas Sunday, 2011, Fr. Pat considers how the revelation of the Holy Trinity takes place through the entire Pentecostarion, and how Pascha is not really complete until Pentecost.

In this reflection, Fr. Pat considers what we have to learn from those in the Nativity story who look into the sky and ponder the moon and the stars.

Fr. Pat preaches from Luke 13:10-17, the story of Jesus healing a crippled woman on the Sabbath. This homily was given on December 4, 2014

Christ tells us that faith like a mustard seed is enough to move mountains. But how can something so small do something so huge?

You probably know what you need to do to grow closer to Christ, but you're having trouble getting started. Here are five ways to jumpstart your spiritual life and start connecting with the Lord today!

“It is better to pray little but often.” -Saint Theophylact of Bulgaria Struggling to say your prayers? We want to help you connect with God! Let's start the new Church year with the Y2AM Prayer Challenge. Let's build a good daily habit and stick to a daily prayer rule for the next 3 months. In this episode, we share 4 keys to help you start (and stick to) your daily prayer rule. And we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you make progress. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee147